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Victory! Kaiser Unfair Labor Practice Halted After Charge Filed by UNAC/UHCP – July/August’11 Voice

July 2011

A few months ago, UNAC/UHCP filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge against Kaiser Permanente with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). This charge was filed as a last resort after Kaiser refused to resolve an issue of concern to our members.

The “issue” was the wording on Investigatory Suspension notices. Kaiser threatened and intimidated our members with wording such as:

“Violation of the strict confidentiality requirements, which are an integral part of this investigation, may result in corrective action, up to and including termination.”

“Nor are you to contact other employees during your period of suspension. Non-adherence to this may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of your employment.”

“You are also encouraged to refrain from any unnecessary conversation about the investigation.”

The NLRB has issued an amended complaint against Kaiser on April 19 and as a consequence, Kaiser must now take two actions: (1) They are required to post a notice that they will not violate the National Labor Relations Act on over 150 bulletin boards throughout Kaiser Permanente in Southern California, and (2) Send an e-mail notice to employees represented by UNAC/UHCP.

Though the vast majority of our members will never in their Kaiser career be placed on an investigatory suspension, UNAC/UHCP fights hard to protect the rights of those affected members to receive a fair and full investigation.